They do not practice what they preach

They do not practice what they preach

1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,
2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat;
3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.
6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues,
7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.
9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father -- the one in heaven.
10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.
11 The greatest among you will be your servant.
12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
(NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I am the wisdom of God who took flesh from the Virgin Mary to become a man like any of you. My wisdom has been given to you through my words in the gospels.

I am your master and teacher, there is no other. My teachings have been conveyed to you first of all through my apostles and disciples, they have been passed from generation to generation by tradition and have been recorded in the Holy Scriptures.

Every one who is baptized has the responsibility to give witness to my word; this is why parents are the first ones to communicate their faith to their children.

The maximum authority on my teachings is the Catholic Church, which has been entrusted with the treasure of the faith. Any teaching outside my Church is incomplete, because it is acting in disobedience.

The priest has great responsibility before me. If he conveys the wrong teaching he will cause great damage to many souls. If he preaches my doctrine faithfully he will gain many souls to my kingdom, he will receive my blessings constantly.

It is very important that you appeal to the Holy Spirit to help you and guide you in the knowledge of God, in order to assimilate the teachings that you receive.

I promised to my apostles that I would not leave them orphans; so on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon them and enlightened them with wisdom to know me more intimately.

You receive my Holy Spirit when you are baptized. It is a fire of my Presence and is always there to assist you in your faith. But it is only a little flame that must be fanned with your devotions and your desire for God. You must put fuel into this fire by your desire to know me, love me and serve me. When your desires for me burn within you, I will manifest myself to you and reveal my wisdom in your soul.

To draw living waters from the fountain of my wisdom you must come very humbly with a contrite heart. Just as Moses was asked to remove his sandals before he approached the burning bush, I ask you to purify yourself.

Remove all your pride before you come to me.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary